Meet Our Staff

We've been there. Ask us!

Every REI Adventures journey begins with one of these travel-savvy, behind-the-scenes folks. They know our trips from experience, and they can answer any question. "How hard is an Activity Level 4 trip?" "What kind of food will be served on my trek?" "What gear do I need for this multisport adventure?" Give us a call today at 1-800-622-2236. You'll tap into a wealth of travel experience, outdoor expertise and wisdom from the road.

Meet some of our friendly staff...

James: Adventure Specialist

"Easily the best part of my job is knowing the work you are doing is insuring that someone will be having the trip of a lifetime. Anything we can do to help people get out and celebrate this wonderful world of ours is a good thing." James practices this philosophy himself. He has been to Scotland many times, spending four weeks there in 2005 to absorb the culture and get the feel of the region. He's also spent time in Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, New Zealand, Ecuador, Canada and Mexico. Asked to pick his most memorable travels, James says, "Certain events from each trip will be with me for the rest of my life: kayaking in a bay full of ice chunks in Alaska (like kayaking in a margarita!), rafting the underground river in Belize, the 90 mph winds as we hiked on the Isle of Skye, the lunch in Ireland where we were visited by a herd of cows, and the morning on Naxos where my roommate and I walked to the top of a nearby hill for sunrise photos."

Liz: Adventure Specialist

An Adventure Specialist with REI Adventures since March of 2006, Liz enjoys learning about the world and inspiring customers to take their dream vacations. She has traveled in North and Central America, Europe and Australia, and also lived in Sydney, Australia for a year while attending graduate school. Her last trip was our REI Adventures Active Nicaragua trip and she really enjoyed it. Nicaragua's culture is rich with history and the beautiful environment. Liz would definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in playing and relaxing in one of Latin America's newest "must see" destinations. Next on her travel wish list? How can I pick? I'd love to go anywhere and everywhere!" An avid hiker, camper and downhill skier, Liz is also developing her skills in rock climbing and kayaking. She never heads out on a camping trip without her headlamp.

Suzanne: Adventure Specialist

Suzanne enjoys working with travelers to plan a fantastic getaway to a new part of the world. Having traveled to Central and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia (including Tasmania), Suzanne has a lot of experience with planning getaways. And she knows that vacations are precious resources. "It's wonderful to go on a trip where all the details—hotels, local guides that speak the local language, meals, and so on, are set up and ready to go. You can show up and know the details are in place so you can concentrate on having FUN!" Her most memorable trip? Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas for her honeymoon, amidst the most spectacular mountain range she had ever experienced. Suzanne doesn't leave home without her travel pillow "to use on airplanes, long car rides, while camping and even in some hotels where the pillows are more like a bolster than a soft place to rest your head at night."

Becky: Travel Agent

Talk to Becky if you're having REI Adventures handle your air arrangements to Latin America, Asia or the Pacific. An REI Adventures travel agent for nearly 14 years, Becky says the best part of her job is talking with people and helping them have the best adventure ever. Of course, traveling to new places isn't bad either! Her travels have taken her to such far-flung places as Nepal, Cambodia and the South Pacific. Next on her travel wish list is Antarctica. Becky's indispensable travel gear? "I don't leave home without my REI Traverse backpack or REI Hitchhiker daypack."

Dan: Travel Agent

A travel agent for REI Adventures for over 11 years, Dan handles travel arrangements for trips in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Dan likes to say that he got his start in the travel business booking "stagecoach tickets". Dan's first taste of adventure travel came on a cycle trip across the USA one summer. Now he says his work and his hobby have been combined. "While I'm at work I think and talk about travel all day, and eventually I get to go somewhere! I frequently get asked; what's my favorite trip? So far, it's an eight-way tie! My favorite piece of REI gear is also the first thing I ever bought at REI. It's a heavy-weight fleece jacket that is now over 15 years old. It's drafty, not very warm, it doesn't compress at all. But, I've worn it to the summit of Mt. Rainier and out to dinner in Paris, so it works for me! In my time at REI Adventures I have experienced some real highs, and some real lows. The high would be 19,340ft above sea level; the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the low would be; either 282ft below sea level at Badwater in Death Valley, or 145ft below sea level at the Blue Hole in Belize (not as low, but actually underwater). I can honestly say: I love my job!"

Jan: Travel Agent

With 18 years in the travel industry Jan has the expertise to handle travel needs to and from our fabulous trips. Travels have taken her all over the U.S. and Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, the Caribbean and the Middle East. "I love walking among huge rock formations in Utah and ancient monuments in Egypt and everything in between. Let me loose shopping in a crazy labyrinth of a market with marvelous colors, smells and sounds. That's a good time." Her favorite part of the job is talking to our travelers. "The members that go on our adventures are all so interesting. It's a pleasure to set up their travel arrangements." Jan believes REI Adventures are a great way to stretch your comfort zone and find out that you can "do it". The bonus is you find you have fascinating experiences and meet wonderful people along the way. Jan's favorite travel quote; "Remember, no matter where you go, there you are".

Andy: Adventure Programs Manager

Andy has worked in the travel industry for 19 years, the last nine with REI Adventures. He is responsible for planning and developing many of REI Adventures' worldwide adventure travel programs. His favorite part of the job is "researching and creating new itineraries for the REI membership and the constant interaction with our colleagues around the world." Andy's travels have taken him extensively throughout Europe, to Central and South America, Russia, New Zealand and North America, including many National Parks. When asked about his most memorable trip, Andy says, "I've always had a deep love for the American Southwest and was blown away by the awesome geography and remoteness of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We hiked for a week and didn't encounter another soul. The landscapes of the Southwest are so dramatic and grand in scale that you can't help but feel insignificant and gain a tremendous appreciation for the natural forces that shape our planet." The one item Andy never travels without is convertible pants. " Great for hiking in almost any climate, convertible pants are lightweight and offer good sun and insect protection."

Justin: Adventure Programs Manager

As a former guide, outdoor educator and long-time program coordinator, Justin's extensive work in outdoor adventure spans the last ten years. Managing programs in nearly 20 countries worldwide, he considers the most rewarding aspect of his job to be the thrilling wonder and awe expressed by REI members in their travels. "Every account we receive of a person's realization of a lifelong dream is truly inspiring." Justin's personal love of the arts and passion for all things outdoors compels him to seek out unique combinations of cultural and recreational experiences on REI Adventures trips. His favorite piece of gear must be his helmet since it seems, to his loved ones' delight and dismay, he's wearing it in every picture of himself ever taken.

Maureen: Adventure Programs Manager

Maureen loves to get our customers excited and prepared for their adventure, whether she's talking about physical conditioning or the gear and clothing needed to stay comfortable while trekking in the Himalayas, biking in Tuscany, or paddling in Baja. And she should know about conditioning and preparation for outdoor activities. She is an avid hiker, snowshoer, backpacker and mountaineer. Most of her travels have taken her to Asia for extended periods: India, Thailand, China, Mongolia and Nepal. On one such trip, she spent a few months living with a family and helping teach in a small village in Nepal. Maureen's two favorite pieces of travel gear are a Nalgene water bottle to help her stay hydrated and her water-resistant Marmot DriClime windshirt.

Belinda: Partnership Programs Manager

In the adventure travel business for 20 plus years, Belinda coordinates our partnerships with like-minded adventure travel companies to give REI members even more ways to explore the world and stay active. She enjoys talking to customers about the places she's been and helping them get excited about going there themselves. "Experiencing different cultures and places not only opens your heart and mind, but it allows you to appreciate all that our planet has to offer." And Belinda has experienced a few different places. As a military dependent, she spent time growing up in Germany and England and traveled throughout much of Europe. Other travels include Central Asia, Latin America, Europe, Canada and extensively throughout the U.S. Her favorite trip, though, has to be Peru. "Machu Picchu was the highlight, but along the trail, every day offered a glimpse into the Inca civilization. It was a history field trip like no other." The piece of gear that she won't travel without is a mid- to lightweight fleece pullover, "perfect for over-air-conditioned airplanes, cool breezy nights and cold mornings in the mountains."

Tim: Weekend Getaways Programs Manager

As Weekend Getaways Program Manager, Tim loves designing and coordinating our two to four-day trips in North America, "Carolina to California, some of the world's most impressive adventures are right here in our own backyard!" Tim has been passionately involved in the outdoor industry throughout his career. A Canadian born New Zealander, he has active world travel in his blood. Some of his favorite trips include, trekking in India, cycling in Cambodia, climbing in Switzerland and eating in Italy. Whether he's scaling mountains in the North Cascades or paddling Puget Sound, "living the REI lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest is a dream-come-true." Next up on his travel wish list: Mt. Shasta Summit Climb with REI Adventures! Tim's favorite piece of gear: REI Taku waterproof pants, hands down.

Janel: Adventure Programs Coordinator

Janel has been coordinating trip details for REI Adventures customers for seven years. Helping customers plan and pack for their upcoming adventure is something she truly enjoys. She's able to share her knowledge of foreign cultures (she's lived in both Japan and South Africa) and her experiences on active REI Adventures trips to give customers insight into their trips. She's traveled throughout Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Australia, Thailand and Antarctica. Antarctica made a definite impression on Janel. "There was breathtaking, surreal scenery and wildlife everywhere. It felt like you were a world away from civilization." Her trusty piece of travel gear is her headlamp, great for camping and keeping hands free for other tasks.

Jessica: Adventure Programs Coordinator

Jessica is never one to stick to the beaten path. Her extensive travels have taken her to Europe, Asia and throughout the US and North America. According to Jessica, every trip has a special place in her heart, but one of her favorite memories was staying the summer in Italy. "I was in Rome for the summer solstice and got to experience the magic of strolling along the Tiber River at night, lit with thousands of oil lamps all the way from Trastevere to Vatican City. It was an enchanting blend of ancient and modern Italy." Jessica's travel tip is to "Pack light! It's more fun to fill up your bag with goodies on the road rather than be weighed down before you even leave the house." The one piece of gear she never leaves home without? "I couldn't live without my mini-tripod!"

Teresa: Adventure Programs Coordinator

As is the way with most trips, it is always nice to 'come home.' Having returned to REI Adventures after 3 years exploring other opportunities and regions of the world, Teresa has come home to REI. "It is fantastic to work with people who believe in and take pride in what we sell. That goes for my co-workers, our partners overseas, our guides in the field and the management here at REI." Teresa has been in the travel industry for 25 years and has morphed from the traveling backpacker at heart to fully appreciating the magic of going on a trip where all the details have been organized for you. Vacation to Teresa does not mean sitting and doing nothing. It means getting out there, getting some exercise and experiencing something new. Teresa has spent most of her travels over the years in the southern two-thirds of the globe: Nepal, Bali, Thailand, Central and South America, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Australia and her favorite destination, New Zealand. She does not leave home with out her favorite travel garment, a Marmot Windshirt.

Heather: Support Specialist

Heather has been with REI Adventures since March of 2008 and says the favorite part of her job is helping folks get outside and truly experiencing the planet. As an operations support specialist, she has the opportunity to assist our customers on a daily basis and ensures they receive all the necessary information and materials needed for their upcoming trip. Heather is an avid sports fan and loves to travel. As a mother of two young children, her journeys have taken her all over the US and Canada. One of her most memorable trips to date was when she traveled to New England in the fall. "Experiencing some of the most breathtaking fall colors and hiking though the woods in Maine on a crisp fall afternoon is magical. There is so much history throughout the area and being at Fenway Park while the Red Sox swept the World Series can't be beat!" When asked what indispensible piece of gear she always brings with her on her travels - "I never leave home without my Nalgene water bottle, my REI daypack, my journal and of course my camera."

Melinda: Support Specialist

Melinda makes sure that all materials and necessary trip documentation are put together for departing trips. Her favorite part of working with REI Adventures is the people, both her co-workers and clients. She especially enjoys working online finding answers to the varied questions that come through e-mail. She's hiked in Andalusia and Tuscany, explored the ruins of Machu Picchu, canoed through the rain forests of Ecuador, cruised the Galapagos Islands, and most recently hiked in the Canadian Rockies near glaciated peaks and lakes the color of emeralds. Melinda never leaves on an adventure without her oversized but easily packable duffel bag for all those newly found treasures!

Peggy: Support Specialist

Peggy likes helping others and gets an opportunity to do so every day as a customer support specialist with REI Adventures. Since 2001, she has assisted customers by putting together all the necessary information and materials for departing trips. Peggy has had a few trips of her own, visiting most of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Italy and the U.K. She also spent two years in Bermuda and two years in Guam, where she acquired a love of snorkeling. But her most memorable trip was to Italy, "Venice was intriguing. Florence museums were spectacular. Rome, exciting, Sicily, warm!" Africa and the Greek Isles are her next travel destinations.

Rene: Support Specialist

Rene has been with REI Adventures since February of 2006. She ensures that all material and necessary trip documentation are put together for departing trips, loves helping others, which she has the opportunity of doing everyday. She also enjoys hearing the wonderful enthusiasm in the Adventure Specialists voices as they share their excitement of our trips with customers. Rene's extensive travels have taken her throughout the U.S., Mexico and North America. She is an avid hiker and cyclist, loves the thrill of white water rafting and is working on developing her kayaking skills.

Nicole: Administrative Assistant

Nicole joined REI Adventures in the summer of 2007. Having worked at one of our REI retail stores, Nicole brings to the team knowledge of products. As our accounting admin, Nicole is responsible for processing sales transactions, vendor accounts, and accounts receivable and payable. Environmental stewardship is a high priority for Nicole. She says "REI Adventures' commitment to offsetting carbon emissions generated through our adventures as well as educating people on the importance of taking care of our natural spaces through REI Outdoor School, make me feel very good about working for a company who cares!" Nicole loves to spend her time in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming and Colorado. She says her dream adventure would "take me anywhere steeped in colors and culture. I especially love big mountains and snow. I speak a little Spanish, so I will soon visit Central or South America."

Chris: Customer Service Supervisor

An REI employee since 1991, Chris joined the REI Adventures team in 2007. His favorite part of the job is working with REI Adventures staff. "They are a very dynamic group who work very hard to make our trips run smoothly". Chris has traveled all over North America, Europe and most recently in China. His most memorable trip was in Ireland. "I was alone and had to figure everything out on my own. It was both scary and exciting." A climbing, skiing and backpacking enthusiast, Chris hopes to travel to Nepal and Africa next. His indispensable travel items? He never leaves on a trip without his journal and a good book.

Mary: Operations Supervisor

Part of the REI Adventures team since 1994, Mary is still passionate about what she does. "Seeing my team come to work each day so enthusiastic and ready to share their knowledge with our customers is the best part of my job. They don't just talk about our adventures, they're passionate about them." Mary had the opportunity to live in Europe for nine years where her family traveled extensively, hiking, cycling, volksmarching and touring as often as possible. She's also traveled in Russia, Latin America, Canada, and throughout the U.S. When asked to pick a favorite trip, Mary says, "Each trip I've taken has been memorable in its own way, but if I had to choose only one it would be the trip I took to Ecuador. Having the opportunity to experience the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands up close and personal was something I will always cherish. Traveling in small groups allows you to get close to the wildlife, and the local naturalists are fantastic." Mary's advice? "Go out and explore the planet...and let us handle the details for you. I can't think of a better way to experience life."

Abbo: Content Coordinator

Abbo has been with REI Adventures since April of 2006. He loves working with a fantastic group of people dedicated to helping clients fulfill their adventure travel dreams around the world or just next door. Spending time updating our web site and managing our great photo collection allows him to travel virtually every day. He has traveled with his family on many road trips in the western United States and Canada in addition to traveling to Hawaii and parts of the eastern United States. More recently he went on REI Adventures' Iceland Fire & Ice Hike trip. "It was amazing. Volcanic landscapes, an iceberg lagoon, steam geysers, waterfalls and more made this a trip of a lifetime." He says, "I love working at REI Adventures where everyone is committed to ensuring our customers get the best travel experience possible."

Liz: Assistant Content Administator

Liz has worked in the outdoors industry since 2005 but is a newcomer to the Pacific Northwest and REI Adventures. "I love working for such a passionate co-op in one of the most environmentally diverse parts of the country." As she works on our web site and trip materials, Liz gets to learn about new adventures our members are exploring every day. Her travels have taken her across Australia, Europe, Latin America and North America but her favorite adventure was living in New Zealand. "I'll never forget the infinite amount of stars that glowed at night or the double rainbows which would appear during the days. I felt as if I was living in a magical world." Liz's next adventure wish list includes scuba diving in Vanuatu, trekking the Himalayas and cycling in the Andes. The gear that will continue to travel the world with her are Z/2 Chacos.

Rebecca: REI Outdoor School Manager

Rebecca's favorite part of her job is seeing Outdoor School participants discover a new skill or ignite their love of the outdoors right in their own backyard. Rebecca is responsible for managing the REI Outdoor School classes, outings, and overnight instructional courses for the United States. These courses run out of our stores and give our customers the chance to "try out" a new activity, gain skills, and increase their confidence before setting out on our longer Adventures. Rebecca has worked in the outdoor education industry for 15 years leading backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, and paddling expeditions from one to 30 days. She has worked in Europe, Asia, and Central America as well as extensively throughout the wild lands of the U.S. These days, Rebecca is discovering how to "leave no child inside" and taking family expeditions into the Cascade Mountains nearby her home. Her indispensable item to travel with is Duct Tape wrapped around a water bottle or trekking/ski poles. Her ultimate REI Adventure: "I grew up in Colorado and have always loved mountains, mountain culture and mountain sports. I am looking forward to visiting the largest mountains on earth on our Everest Base Camp trip."

John: REI Outdoor School Operations Coordinator

As the Operations Coordinator for the REI Outdoor School, John is passionate about supporting the Outdoor School mission, especially when it comes to introducing folks to the activities he enjoys and watching them get excited about the experience. He has traveled in Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, Italy, and just about every corner of the US. John has been with REI for over 6 years, where he has held positions from Store Outreach Coordinator to store management to present, from Dallas to Boston to Seattle where he has settled in quite nicely in the "Alps" of the US. When John is not performing his "official duties" you can find him climbing in the Cascades, biking the wine country of Eastern Washington, of hiking from Mt Adams to Mt Baker and all the places in between. When he travels, he is never without his Mountain Hardwear Tech Jacket and earplugs. "Between the howling wind, a roaring stream or a loud, snoring tent/cabin companion, I find that a pair of earplugs always comes in handy."

Heather: REI Outdoor School Administrative Assistant

Part of the REI Adventures team since January 2007, Heather loves being part of REI's mission to educate our members and get people outdoors. Spending time in the wilderness has had an enormous positive impact on her life, and she takes pride in the fact that the work she's doing is helping others find significance in their time spent outside. She has traveled all over the western U.S. (AK, WA, OR, CA, ID, WY, AZ, NV, HI) as well as a little in Canada, Mexico, and Italy, but her ultimate trip would be taking the REI Adventures Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari trip. She loves being able to push herself physically, loves cultural experiences, and loves being able to view diverse wildlife, so combining all three elements into one trip would be a dream come true.